The Specific Ask

After you have added value, make one clean request. Name the ask, the reason, and an easy out: "Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week? No pressure if timing is bad."

The mistake is stacking favors: coffee, advice, referrals, feedback, all in one note. A narrow ask respects the relationship you just warmed up. One clear request gets answered; a pile of requests gets postponed.